Christmas season travelers, including shoppers and football fans, will face significant disruptions due to planned rail strikes by CrossCountry Trains. Members of the RMT union have scheduled walkouts on Saturdays throughout December: the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. These strikes are tied to ongoing disputes regarding pay and staffing issues.
Impact of the Rail Strikes
The strike action is expected to result in the cancellation of most, if not all, CrossCountry services that connect England, Wales, and Scotland through Birmingham New Street. Typically, CrossCountry handles approximately 100,000 passengers each day.
Reasons for the Dispute
- The RMT cites long-standing problems related to pay and staffing.
- The union claims that CrossCountry has not honored agreements regarding overtime pay and staffing levels.
- Disparities in wages for different job grades have also been contested.
Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT, stated that the company has not addressed the key issues at stake. He emphasized that the proposals from CrossCountry have worsened the situation rather than improving it. Dempsey noted, “Our members face unresolved staffing shortages and unfair pay outcomes.” Consequently, he said strike action has become unavoidable.
Company’s Response
Shiona Rolfe, managing director at CrossCountry, expressed disappointment over the planned industrial action. She mentioned that the company has made a fair and reasonable proposal to resolve the dispute and noted progress in negotiations. Rolfe stated, “We prioritize reaching an agreement that avoids disruption for passengers during this busy period.” She confirmed their readiness to continue discussions.
Busy Travel Days Ahead
The Saturday before Christmas, December 20th, is traditionally one of the busiest travel days. The following Saturday, December 27th, is also expected to see heavy passenger traffic as many lines resume service after Christmas Eve. Notably, due to engineering work on the West Coast Main Line, passengers will likely rely on CrossCountry services during Network Rail closures.
Previous Strikes and Ongoing Issues
Earlier this year, RMT members participated in strikes during the August bank holiday, halting all CrossCountry services. Though a further strike was planned for October 18th, it was eventually called off. This led to widespread cancellations due to the late notice, preventing a return to the regular schedule.
In another related development, the operator has apologized to the Aslef union regarding a separate dispute involving train drivers. CrossCountry plans to investigate cultural and structural issues within the company as part of addressing these challenges.
Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and plan their journeys accordingly as the festive season approaches.
